Member for Bowman Henry Pike has written directly to Woolworths Group chief executive Amanda Bardwell, urging the supermarket giant to reconsider a new $20 grocery delivery fee for island residents.
The fee, which applies to postcodes 4183 and 4184 and comes into effect from February 3, has sparked concern among island communities who rely heavily on delivery services due to isolation and limited transport options.
In a public statement, Mr Pike said grocery delivery was not a luxury for many islanders.
“I’ve written directly to the CEO of Woolworths about the new $20 delivery fee being imposed on Moreton Bay island residents,” he said.
“For many islanders, grocery delivery isn’t a convenience. It’s a necessity. These communities have higher numbers of pensioners, people living with disability, and residents on fixed incomes. They already pay an island premium for almost everything.
“Slapping an extra $20 on food delivery risks pushing some households into real food insecurity. That’s not acceptable.
“I’ve asked Woolworths to urgently reconsider this decision and adopt a more tailored approach that reflects the unique circumstances of island communities, without undermining their broader operations.
“I’ll keep advocating strongly for island residents and pushing for common sense and fairness.”
In his formal letter to Ms Bardwell, Mr Pike acknowledged the commercial challenges involved in servicing island communities but warned the impact would fall hardest on vulnerable residents.
“I understand the commercial and operational challenges involved in servicing communities without a local store, particularly where additional staffing and transport costs apply. I also recognise that Woolworths must make hard decisions in a difficult operating environment,” he wrote.
“However, I am concerned that this decision will have a real and disproportionate impact on some of my most vulnerable constituents.”
Mr Pike highlighted the socio-economic disadvantage faced by island residents, noting the Moreton Bay islands fall within the fourth percentile on the SEIFA index.
“For many residents, travelling to the mainland is not realistic due to health, mobility, cost, or transport constraints. For them, grocery delivery is not a convenience. It is an essential service,” he wrote.
He also warned that islanders already face higher everyday costs.
“Island residents already face higher everyday costs. Ferry fares, fuel, trades, and basic services all carry an island premium. Adding a $20 delivery fee, on top of existing grocery pressures risks pushing some households into genuine food insecurity. That is not an abstract concern. It is a practical reality for people who simply do not have other options,” he wrote.
Mr Pike called on Woolworths to explore alternatives that recognise local circumstances while maintaining commercial viability.
“I believe there is scope for Woolworths to take a more tailored approach that recognises the unique circumstances of these communities, without undermining the broader commercial sustainability of your delivery network,” he wrote.
He said the decision presented a test of Woolworths’ commitment to the communities it serves.
“Woolworths has built its brand on being part of the communities it serves. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that commitment in a very tangible way, and to show leadership where the impact on vulnerable Australians is clear and foreseeable,” he wrote.
Mr Pike said he was open to further discussions with the company and would continue advocating for island residents as the changes loom.
